Columbia And Snake River Cruises. Availability & Offers 2025/2026

About the Columbia And Snake River

The Columbia and Snake Rivers flow beautifully across the Northwestern United States, proving an irresistible destination for those seeking the unparalleled beauty and tranquillity of nature. As the largest rivers in North America, they span an impressive 1,243 miles (2000 km) and 1,078 miles (1,735 km) respectively.

Winding through Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, these rivers provide a gateway to a world of stunning landscapes. From the Columbia River Gorge – a 130 km / 80 miles canyon stretching along the river – to the Snake River’s Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America measuring 2,436 m / 7,993 feet deep, a holiday along these rivers is filled with unforgettable vistas.

History engulfs the rivers too, with the journey of Lewis and Clark Expedition commemorated by many historical sites along its banks. Furthermore, the Columbia River has been a significant fishing area for Native Americans for over 10,000 years. The authentic cultural experiences provided make a travel to these rivers a truly enriching experience.

The wildlife is a highlight too with opportunities for birdwatching, spotting marine mammals, and even glimpses of deer and elk not uncommon. With biodiversity in spades, it’s easy to understand why the Columbia and Snake Rivers are considered a nature lover’s paradise.

Not to be forgotten, of course, is the world-class wine producing region you can sample here. Oregon’s Columbia Gorge, Washington’s Columbia Valley, and Idaho’s Snake River Valley are renowned for their outstanding vineyards, another enticing reason to book a river cruise holiday along these stunning rivers.

In conclusion, the Columbia and Snake Rivers offer a unique blend of natural wonder, rich history, and local culture. They’re a true spectacle to behold and make for an unforgettable cruise holiday that offers abundant discovery at every turn.

Our top 10 points of interest along the Columbia And Snake River

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon, up to 4,000 feet deep, with the northern half being in Washington State and the southern half in Oregon State. It’s known for its dramatic views, numerous waterfalls and variety of outdoor activities.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood, standing at 11,240 feet, is the highest mountain in Oregon and the fourth highest in the Cascade Range. The mountain’s peak is home to twelve glaciers, and its slopes offer a range of recreational activities, including skiing, snowboarding and hiking.

Multnomah Falls

Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is a popular attraction for its stunning beauty. Plummeting a total of 620 feet, it is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and second tallest in the United States.

Astoria

Astoria is a small port city on the Columbia River, near the Pacific Ocean. It is rich in history with many attractions, including the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Astoria Column.

Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in Washington State. A major eruption in 1980 significantly changed the landscape, and the area now serves as a natural laboratory for the study of volcanic and ecosystem recovery.

Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon is a 10-mile wide canyon located along the border of eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and western Idaho. It’s North America’s deepest river gorge at a depth of nearly 8,000 feet and offers dramatic views and excellent opportunities for hiking and boating.

Palouse Falls

Located within the Palouse Falls State park in Washington State, Palouse Falls drops from a height of 198 feet. The falls and the surrounding canyon are part of an area recognized and protected for their geological and scenic significance.

Fort Clatsop

Fort Clatsop in Oregon is a replica of the encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the winter of 1805-1806. The site features a visitor center with exhibits and trails that lead visitors to the fort itself.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

In southeastern Washington, the Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, pioneer missionaries who helped establish the Oregon Trail. The site includes a visitor centre, walking trails and a monument.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Lake Roosevelt is a 130-mile long lake, created by the Grand Coulee Dam in northeastern Washington State. It offers year-round recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, camping and hunting.